Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition最新文献

{"title":"Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the chrono-med diet score (CMDS) for adult participants.","authors":"Tevfik Koçak, Emine Kocyigit, Duygu Ağagündüz","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00949-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00949-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Chrono-Med Diet Score (CMDS) to assess adherence to the Mediterranean diet in Turkish adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The methodological research conducted in Gümüşhane and Ordu from January to June 2024, including 592 individuals (62.3% women, 37.7% men, and the mean age 43.4 ± 10.6 years). Data were collected through face‒to‒face interview that contained socio-demographic characteristics, the CMDS, the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS), and 24-h dietary recall. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, while repeatability was examined using the test-retest method. Construct validity was assessed by the MEDAS, and components of the adapted CMDS obtained from the 24-h dietary recall were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. The content validity was assessed by the Paired samples t-test and Wilcoxon test. The Bland-Altman test with 95% limits of agreement was used to evaluate the agreement between sum of CMDS. The results were statistically evaluated at a p < 0.05 significance level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The content validity index of CMDS was 0.87. The overall Turkish version of CMDS had acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.853), thus indicating that the score was reliable. The Paired samples t test coefficients between each item and the overall questionnaire ranged from 0.234 to 1.000. A higher intake of olive oil and fish obtained from a 24-h dietary recall was associated with a higher CMDS quartile (p < 0.05). The MEDAS score was correlated with a higher CMDS quartile (p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was determined between total CMDS and MEDAS (r = 0.467; p < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our assessments of the CMDS, consisting of 13 items, in Türkiye demonstrate that it is a viable and reliable instrument to measure adherence to the Mediterranean diet for the adult population. The CMDS is more accurate than other Mediterranean diet scores as it questions about the amount of physical activity and grain products, which helps determine each participant's eating patterns and general health.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"199"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12167577/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144293859","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Herbal medicine use and associated factors among lactating mothers visiting maternal and child health clinic at Woldia comprehensive specialized hospital, North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia, 2023.","authors":"Teshome Gebremeskel Aragie, Mekbib Afework","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00875-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00875-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Globally, reproductive-age women appear to be the major users of herbal products, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Despite safety concerns, lactating women in Ethiopia use herbal products to increase their milk supply or to treat ailments. Thus, the current study aimed to assess the prevalence of herbal medicine use and associated factors among lactating women visiting maternal and child health clinics at Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted on 362 lactating women who visited the Expanded Program Immunization and Family Planning Clinics at Woldia Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from February 1 to April 30, 2023. The study participants were chosen using a systematic sampling method. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews and entered using EPI-Data version 4.2.0. It was then analyzed using SPSS version 25. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with the use of herbal medicine. Statistical significance was considered at a p-value of less than 0.05 in the final model. The findings were presented using texts, tables, and graphical representations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 362 pregnant women who participated in this study, 150 (41.43%, 95% CI: 36.3, 46.5%) used herbal products during their lactating period. The most frequently used herbal products during lactation were Zingiber officinale 73 (48.6%), followed by Lepidium sativum 67 (44.6%), Ocimum lamifolium 60 (40%), and Linum usitatissimum 53 (35.3%). Among lactating mothers attending the clinics, factors associated with herbal medicine use included having a positive attitude toward herbal medicine use (AOR = 5.6; 95% CI = 3.1,9.9), having a history of using herbal products (AOR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.2,3.9), lacking postpartum counseling (AOR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.2,5.7), living further away from medical facilities (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.7, 4,8), and earning less than 5000 ETB per month (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.0, 12.2).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In the study area, herbal medicine use was a common practice among lactating mothers. Factors influencing this trend include women's attitudes toward herbal medicine, postpartum counseling, and their previous experiences with such remedies. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize efforts aimed at shifting the perceptions of reproductive women regarding herbal medicine use and to enhance postpartum counseling. Further, it is essential to emphasize the potential risks of certain herbal medicines, especially those with unknown safety profiles, as they can significantly impact the health of the women and breastfeeding infants.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"198"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12167588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144293844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modelling the risk factors associated with female genital mutilation among the under-five children in Ethiopia, a retrospective study.","authors":"Michael Arthur Ofori, Daniel Biftu Bekalo, David Kwamena Mensah, Niharika Jha","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00962-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00962-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) also referred to as female genital cutting or female circumcision, has become a global health concern. It is a deeply entrenched traditional practice involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. To inform effective policymaking and raise awareness about FGM's health risks, understanding socioeconomic and demographic factors influencing the status of circumcision is crucial.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study employed logistic regression and maximum likelihood models to examine the association between mothers' educational level and the circumcision status of under five girls in Ethiopia. The data used in this study was extracted from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) report, which was conducted by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study found a strong association between mother's educational level and the risk of circumcision of under five girls. The girls whose mothers have no education or primary education have significantly higher odds of being circumcised with crude odds ratios of 7.69 (2.27-26.02) and 5.54 (1.64-18.65), respectively, compared to those whose mothers have secondary or higher education. Additionally, children whose mothers are Muslims (AOR: 1.98, 1.55-2.53), rural residence (AOR: 1.83, 1.21-2.78), and paternal education level (no education AOR: 2.03, 1.24-3.35) were also significant factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results highlight the importance of maternal education, religious beliefs, and geographic location in influencing circumcision practices in Ethiopia. We recommend that more public education on the effect of FGM on the girl child will be enrolled especially in the rural communities in Ethiopia.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"196"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12166624/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144293845","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The association of global and prime diet quality scores with sperm quality parameters: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Pegah Hadi Sichani, Seyyed Mohammad Alavi, Marzieh Mahmoodi, Mohammad Javad Entezari Meybodi, Seyyed Mojtaba Amiri, Melika Mahmoudi-Zadeh, Zainab Shateri, Mehran Nouri","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00975-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00975-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diet can directly affect the quality of semen. According to our knowledge, no study has assessed the relationship between the global diet quality score (GDQS) and the prime diet quality score (PDQS) with infertility. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between GDQS and PDQS and sperm quality parameters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In the present cross-sectional study, 260 men with infertility were selected from a major infertility clinic in Isfahan Province, Iran. Four semen parameters were evaluated: semen volume, normal sperm morphology, sperm concentration, and total sperm motility. Also, a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) comprising 168 items was employed to assess the food intake of participants. Moreover, logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between GDQS and PDQS with sperm parameters.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The findings showed lower odds of abnormal sperm concentration associated with each unit increase in GDQS (odds ratio (OR) = 0.854, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.764-0.954, p = 0.005), health-positive foods of GDQS (GDQS+) (OR = 0.816, 95% CI: 0.717-0.928, p = 0.002), PDQS (OR = 0.892, 95% CI: 0.814-0.978, p = 0.015), and healthy food groups of PDQS (PDQS+) (OR = 0.825, 95% CI: 0.734-0.926, p = 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings of this cross-sectional study suggest a potential association between adherence to a healthy and high-quality diet and higher sperm concentration among men with infertility. Further research, particularly well-designed prospective and interventional studies, is needed to better understand the temporal and causal relationships between diet quality and male reproductive health.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"197"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12166639/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144293858","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and pregnancy outcomes in gestational diabetes patients undergoing dietary therapy.","authors":"Shiwen Yu, Xiaolin Yu, Furong Li","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00969-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00969-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on glycemic control, insulin sensitivity, and pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) undergoing dietary therapy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a retrospective cohort study that included 98 patients diagnosed with GDM according to the IADPSG criteria. Patients were divided into two groups based on vitamin D supplementation: the Vitamin D group (n = 49) and the Control group (n = 49). The Vitamin D group received 400 IU of vitamin D daily until delivery. All patients followed a standardized dietary management plan. The primary outcome was the time to achieve glycemic control. Secondary outcomes included changes in HbA1c, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, hs-CRP, MDA, and pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to adjust for baseline differences, and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 28.0.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 98 patients (49 per group) were included after propensity score matching (PSM), with similar baseline characteristics between groups (all P > 0.05), except for higher gestational edema scores in the control group (P = 0.001). The Vitamin D group achieved glycemic control faster than the control group (adjusted HR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.50-3.52, P < 0.001) and required less insulin (β = -0.11 U/kg/day, 95% CI -0.14 to -0.08, P < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in key metabolic and inflammatory markers, including HbA1c, fasting blood glucose, 2-hour postprandial glucose, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, hs-CRP, MDA, BMI, and gestational edema score (all P < 0.001), with no change in mid-upper arm circumference. The Vitamin D group also had significantly lower risks of pregnancy complications, adverse outcomes, and neonatal issues (P < 0.05), including reduced rates of pregnancy-induced hypertension, fetal distress, and postpartum hemorrhage.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Vitamin D supplementation significantly improves glycemic control, enhances insulin sensitivity, and positively impacts pregnancy outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes. Vitamin D supplementation should be considered in the management of GDM.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"194"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12160425/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144284974","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of food insecurity with anemia in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.","authors":"Seyedeh Parisa Moosavian, Maryam Ghodsi, Parisa Farzanehnejad, Niloufar Ghanbari, Seyed Hossein Mirlohi, Sajjad Moradi","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00966-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00966-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Food insecurity, characterized by limited access to adequate and safe foods, is a prevalent global issue affecting millions. Anemia, often stemming from insufficient iron intake, is a common health concern, especially in children. Although the association between household food insecurity and anemia risk has been studied, findings remain inconclusive. This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies aim to provide a clearer understanding of this relationship.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted up to January 2024. Studies that reported odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) on the association between food insecurity and anemia risk in children and adolescents were included. Studies assessing food insecurity using validated tools, such as the Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM), were prioritized. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-five studies comprising 87,027 individuals were included. Household food insecurity was significantly associated with increased odds of anemia in both younger children (0-5 years) (OR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.53) and older children/adolescents (6-18 years) (OR = 1.67; 95% CI: 1.16, 1.83). Subgroup analyses suggested that food insecurity severity and geographic region influenced the strength of this association.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study provides robust evidence that household food insecurity is associated with an increased risk of anemia in children and adolescents. Addressing food insecurity is critical to mitigating anemia risk, particularly among vulnerable populations. Future research should further explore how different measures of food insecurity, including child-specific food insecurity, impact anemia risk to inform targeted interventions.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"193"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12153092/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144275096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hemoglobin level, anemia, and obesity among pregnant women in Kigali, Rwanda: a hospital-based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Mustafa I Ahmed, Amal O Bashir, Ahmed A Hassan, Ishag Adam","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00938-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00938-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Globally, there is an increasing trend of obesity in pregnant women, and Sub-Saharan Africa is not an exception. Recently, hemoglobin and anemia have received more attention as predictors of maternal obesity. No such study exists in Rwanda. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the factors associated with obesity, including hemoglobin and anemia, among pregnant women in Kigali, Rwanda.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in two hospitals in Kigali, Rwanda, from June to August 2024. A questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data. Weight, height, and hemoglobin were measured using standard procedures. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 445 pregnant women were recruited. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age and parity were 30.0 (26.0‒35.0) years and 1 (0‒3), respectively. Of the 445 women, 143 (32.1%), 249 (56.0%), and 53 (11.9%) were of normal weight, overweight, and obese, respectively. One hundred and seven (24.0%) pregnant women had anemia. In multivariate multinomial regression, no significant association was found between age, parity, residency, education, maternal occupation, hemoglobin level, anemia, and overweight status. Being from rural areas (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16‒5.56) and being a housewife (AOR = 4.34, 95% 1.42‒13.26) were significantly associated with obesity. While an increase in hemoglobin level was associated with obesity (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.02‒1.60), anemia was inversely negatively associated with obesity (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.12‒0.93).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study indicates that 12% of the pregnant women in Rwanda were obese. Hemoglobin and anemia are associated with maternal obesity in Rwanda. There is a need for more efforts in nutritional programs targeting pregnant women to combat maternal obesity in Rwanda. Future research is recommended to explore the impact of maternal obesity on maternal and perinatal health.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"192"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12144739/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144248258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Examining the association between maternal junk food consumption and obesity among children: evidence from a cross-sectional survey in India.","authors":"Antaryami Dash, Shalem Balla, Shankar Das, Srinivas Goli","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00937-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00937-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Childhood obesity is not only a concern for the immediate health of children but also imposes varied health implications throughout the life course and a significant burden on the healthcare system. Parental feeding attitudes and lifestyles, especially mothers', significantly influence the development of children's eating behaviours and nutritional outcomes. This study examines the relationship between 'maternal junk food consumption' and 'childhood obesity' in India.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using the 2021 round of the National Family Health Survey, we analysed data from 191,126 children aged 0-5 years across 36 states and Union Territories of India. The study measured childhood overweight/obesity through weight-for-height Z-scores (WHZ). Further, the study constructed a junk food consumption intensity score by creating a composite measure based on the intake frequency of aerated drinks and fried foods. We employed multiple binary logistic regression models and robustness checks to examine the association between 'maternal junk food consumption' and 'children with overweight/obesity' net of parental, household, and geographical characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Children of mothers with high junk food consumption exhibited a higher prevalence (4.01%) compared to those with moderate (3.29%) and no/low consumption (3.27%). The differences further increased when we adjusted the results for other covariates. Adjusted odds ratio shows that children of mothers with \"high\" and \"moderate\" junk food consumption have 1.390 (p < 0.01) times and 1.204 times (p < 0.05), respectively, higher odds of having children with overweight or obesity compared to those with \"no/low\" consumption. Further, the results are confirmed through multiple robustness checks.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Interpreting these results in the context of existing evidence and policy suggests that tackling childhood obesity necessitates comprehensive, multi-level interventions - spanning individual, family, community and facility levels. These interventions should aim to enhance food and nutrition literacy, foster healthy dietary practices, and promote positive behaviours that minimise risks associated with all obesogenic factors among children and their families.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"191"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12143028/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144248257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nutritional status and barriers to optimal nutrition among pediatric patients with cancer in tanzania: a quantitative analysis.","authors":"Deogratias M Katabalo, Yadurshini Raveendran, Anthony Cuthbert Liwa, Benson R Kidenya, Kristin Schroeder","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00931-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00931-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Childhood cancer is a growing public health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where over two-thirds of global pediatric cancer cases occur. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, malnutrition remains a major barrier to achieving better outcomes. This study aimed to assess the magnitude of undernutrition and identify barriers to optimal nutrition among pediatric patients with cancer receiving treatment at a major referral hospital in Tanzania.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two study populations were recruited: pediatric patients with cancer and their primary caregivers. Children were assessed for undernutrition using anthropometric indicators, including mid-upper arm circumference, weight-for-age, height-for-age, body mass index-for-age Z-score, and triceps skinfold thickness. Nutritional biomarkers, including serum albumin, total protein, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume, were also evaluated. Caregivers completed structured questionnaires adapted from the Hunger Vital Sign™ and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Nutrition-related Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Questionnaire to assess the risk of food insecurity and caregiver nutrition knowledge and perceptions. Binary logistic regression was used to explore predictors of undernutrition.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 65 pediatric patients were enrolled, of whom 41.54% were classified as undernourished based on at least one anthropometric indicator below age-specific thresholds. Although 44.62% had low serum albumin and 30.77% had low total protein, these biomarkers may reflect overall illness rather than nutritional deficiency alone. Anemia was observed in 53.85% of children under 5 and 38.46% of those aged 5 and older. Logistic regression showed that undernutrition was more likely among children aged 5-10 and > 10 years compared to those < 5 years (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 0.88-3.68; p = 0.109), while anemia showed an inverse and unexpected association (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.02-1.44; p = 0.100); however, neither was statistically significant. The risk of food insecurity was identified in 78.4% of households. Caregivers not at risk demonstrated significantly better nutrition knowledge and more positive perceptions than those at risk.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Undernutrition is common among pediatric patients with cancer and may be influenced by clinical and socioeconomic factors, including anemia, caregiver knowledge, and household food insecurity.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This study is not a clinical trial and does not require registration.</p><p><strong>Clinical trial number: </strong>not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"189"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139128/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144234336","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Does engagement in healthy ageing differ according to gender? Community-based cross-sectional study.","authors":"Sevinç Sütlü, Nurvet Büyükyörük","doi":"10.1186/s41043-025-00785-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s41043-025-00785-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In this study, it was aimed to investigate whether engagement in healthy aging differs according to gender and whether the factors affecting the participation of men and women in healthy aging are different.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The data of the cross-sectional study were collected between April-July 2024 with the participation of 381 elderly individuals through a questionnaire form. The questionnaire included a socio-demographic data form and the Engagement in Healthy Ageing Scale. The data of the study were analyzed using Standard Package of Statistical System package program 23. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Anova test and Forward Linear Regression analysis were used to evaluate the data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Being female decreases the level of engagement in healthy ageing (OR = 3.220; CI:, -2.904/-0.702). Education status affects the level of engagement in healthy ageing in both men and women. In addition to educational level, income status, presence of COPD, musculoskeletal diseases and previous MI were found to be factors affecting engagement in healthy ageing in women.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Gender affects engagement in healthy ageing in individuals over 65 years of age. Gender differences should be taken into consideration in studies to be carried out for the promotion of healthy ageing. Public Health Programs should be carried out to increase physical activity in women and to rehabilitate chronic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":15969,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Health, Population, and Nutrition","volume":"44 1","pages":"190"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144234335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}